Different Trem Springs?

[mind_transplant]

This is sort of a two question post, so here goes:

1) Does anyone know where I can get thicker, stiffer trem springs? I've looked through all my local guitar stores, Stewmac, Allparts, and everyone only has the one thickness, which is effectively the Fender-style thickness. Floyd Rose units generally come with thicker (higher gauge wire) springs (or at least my Jacksons and the retrofit Strat I have do) yet I can't find these thicker springs anywhere, so any help would be appreciated...

2) In trying to solve this problem, I've come to realize how little I understand the whole spring thing. My main concern with trem springs is always keeping in tune (duh) but also getting a smooth, easy feel from the bar when pulling up or pressing down. So how do the following configurations compare in terms of feel for the whammy bar?

-Two springs tightened to the max versus three springs tightened less
-Stiffer springs tightened less versus the same number of less stiff springs, with the claw tightened more

Do less springs always feel more "easy", even with the claw tightened more? Sorry for the length and pointlessness of this post, but I really am curious... (or maybe I have too much time on my hands)

 

[Guitar Toad]

Re: Different Trem Springs?

check out the hardware store they usually have lots of springs. I'm sure you could find what you want there.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Different Trem Springs?

I like to setup floating Floyds with 3, less tightened springs, and non-floaters with 2, much more (if not cranked all the way down) tightened springs.

IMHO, 2 will have an easier feel, but is far less stable (unless it's blocked). Feelwise, I prefer the 3 spring setup. However, I like the Jackson JT-6 tremelo better than the Original Floyd, so take my opinion with a big old grain of salt

 

[Kac]

Re: Different Trem Springs?

I prefer 5 springs, floating or not, but my Kahler only has room for 4 springs, so that's what it has... also blocked right now because of the D-tuna.

I dunno why, but I've always prefered to have the max number of springs in, even if I have the bridge floating...

Rock ON :headbang:

 

[Guitar Toad]

Re: Different Trem Springs?

I prefer 5 springs, floating or not, but my Kahler only has room for 4 springs, so that's what it has... also blocked right now because of the D-tuna.

I dunno why, but I've always prefered to have the max number of springs in, even if I have the bridge floating...

Rock ON :headbang:

me too on the 5 springs floating. 5 springs just makes me feel like it's more stable.

 

[Quencho092]

Re: Different Trem Springs?

when i pop a string i still fly out of tune, but 5 springs are ok. You shouldn't have any trouble moving the bar with all 5 springs, in fact, you'd have more control over how much you want to wank the bar with the extra resistance for dive-bombs.

Doesn't having more springs extend the durability of the springs' elasticity since they're splitting the load?

 

[ErikH]

Re: Different Trem Springs?

I use a non floating Floyd and prefer 3 springs, the Fender style springs. They are smoother to me than any other. I have them just tight enough to hold the trem down and still be able to do string bends without lifting it. They are oriented in a V from the outside of the trem to the claw and another one down the middle straight. EDIT: (See Davey's post below. Mine are the same way).

 

[ErikH]

Re: Different Trem Springs?

when i pop a string i still fly out of tune, but 5 springs are ok. You shouldn't have any trouble moving the bar with all 5 springs, in fact, you'd have more control over how much you want to wank the bar with the extra resistance for dive-bombs.

Doesn't having more springs extend the durability of the springs' elasticity since they're splitting the load?

With a floating trem it will always fly out of tune when a spring breaks. The spring tension becomes greater than the string tension. Law of physics comes in there.

 

[Davey]

Re: Different Trem Springs?

3 strings
/|\ set up like that

 

[Guitar Toad]

Re: Different Trem Springs?

3 strings
/|\ set up like that

Why /|\ and not ||| ?

 

[Zerberus]

Re: Different Trem Springs?

Why /|\ and not ||| ?

Slightly higher tension on the outside 2 springs and lower on teh center spring.. reduces the chance / severity of the trem spring "reverb" (And he probably just left them the way I had it set up)

I prefer 3 but have to use 4 because of my string guage.

As far as stiffer springs, www.rockinger.de sells standard ones and "extra strong" ones (52% stronger, standard for Floyds)